'Smokehouse' Apple

General Fruit Growing
21

No word from the DNA lab.
In the meantime, I just got word from Derek Mills about sending me Smokehouse scions. He wrote Smokehouse is so good they have never relegated it to cider. Makes me think I must try it in cider someday, as I just looked into “The Best Apples to Buy & Grow” to find Smokehouse has some tannins to contribute to cider. Hmm, blended with Otterson…

I should have plenty to play with this spring: two sticks from Derek & another two when I drive up to Sandpoint to cut next month.

For this backyard grower, that is plenty.

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22

I hope the Smokehouse is as good as I have read. I get hooked on the name or history of an apple.

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23

Yeah, for an evocative name Smokehouse is right up there with Pig Snout & Horse. It is pretty old, dating by 1837. My impression is fuzzy about the origins of Horse, but it seems to me it dates nearly as far back. If Pig Snout is another name for Cats Head, that goes to 1619, I believe.

As for the malt & caramel overtones, as a homebrewer of ales, I find that aspect of Smokehouse fascinating.

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24

For what it’s worth, the Smokehouse scions I obtained from Big Horse Creek appear to be correct and are indeed worthy.

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25

Mine are like Andy said - certainly not brushy. A bit challenging to shape but vigorous enough. It’s worth the trouble for me. Sue

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26

Sue,When does it ripen for you there in Michigan?

27

I’ve only had two years of small number of apples but I harvested early October. They probably could have gone longer on the tree if it hadn’t been for the birds. Ate from mid-Oct. to end of Oct. this year and they were very good. Went to end of December last year (just one - see my notes at top of thread). Looking forward to having more. Sue

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28

TY for this helpful information. I look forward to actually getting some of these ripe in my orchard in a few years. I just planted a Smokehouse tree last year. I re-read your initial post. You gave the info I asked for in that post. I feel like duh now for asking you again, sorry.

29

I remember my Smokehouse seemed to be extra delicious to the deer, they set mine back a couple times. Maybe give them a little extra deer protection.

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